Microalgae extracts modulates the immune response in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected human cells.

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The control of the infection depends of the innate and acquired immune response of host. Moreover, CD plays a significant role in the immune response, and, in this context, microalgae can be an interesting alternative due to its immunomodulatory and trypanocidal effects. This study aimed to evaluate, in vitro, immunomodulatory potentials of the aqueous extracts of Chlorella vulgaris and Tetradesmus obliquus. Both microalgae extracts (ME) were obtained by sonication, and the selectivity index (SI) was determined by assays of inhibitory concentration (IC50) in T. cruzi trypomastigotes cells; as well as the cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) in human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC). The immune response was evaluated in T. cruzi-infected PBMC using the IC50 value. ME led to inhibition of T. cruzi trypomastigotes after 24 h of treatment, in which the IC50 values were 112.1 µg/ml to C. vulgaris and 15.8 µg ml-1 to T. obliquus. On the other hand, C. vulgaris did not affect the viability of PBMCs in concentrations up to 1000 µg ml-1, while T. obliquus was non-toxic to PBMCs in concentrations up to 253.44 µg ml-1. In addition, T. obliquus displayed a higher SI against T. cruzi (SI = 16.8), when compared with C. vulgaris (SI = 8.9). C. vulgaris decreased the levels of IFN, indicating a reduction of the inflammatory process; while T. obliquus displayed an interesting immunomodulatory effect, since discretely increased the levels of TNF and stimulated the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This study confirms that ME are effective against T. cruzi trypomastigotes, and may able to control the parasitemia and preventing the progress of CD while regulating the inflammatory process.

Outbreak of Chagas disease in Brazil: Validation of a molecular diagnostic method.

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), affects millions of people worldwide. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) have been used as tools to monitor parasitic levels in the bloodstream of individuals exposed to infection, thus enabling the monitoring of relapses and the effectiveness of therapy, for example. The aim of this study was to evaluate the TcSAT-IAM system, developed by our research group, on samples from patients with suspected Chagas disease infection. Initially, primer systems were developed for the detection of the nuclear DNA (SAT-DNA) from T. cruzi (TcSAT-IAM). The Cruzi system, predicted in the literature, and TcSAT-IAM were then evaluated in relation to their analytical sensitivity, specificity and efficiency. Afterwards, the applicability of the qPCR technique using both systems (separately) for the diagnosis of acute CD was evaluated in samples from 77 individuals exposed to the outbreak that occurred in Pernambuco-Brazil, relating the results obtained to those of the classical diagnostic methods recommended for this stage of the infection. TcSAT-IAM and Cruzi had a detection limit of 1 fg of target DNA (0,003 parasites). Thirty-eight cases were recorded, 28 by laboratory criteria and 10 by clinical and epidemiological criteria. Blood samples from 77 subjects were submitted to qPCR by both systems, reaching an agreement of 89.61% between them. After analyzes between systems and diagnostic criteria, the TcSAT-IAM showed sensitivity and specificity of 52.36% (CI 37.26-67.52) and 92.31% (CI 79.68-97.35), respectively, accuracy of 72.73% and moderate agreement. The TcSAT-IAM showed an accuracy of 72.58% and 75% in relation to parasitological and serological tests (IgM anti-T. cruzi), respectively. Therefore, quantitative PCR should be incorporated into the diagnosis of suspected acute cases of Chagas disease.

Benznidazole treatment decreases IL-6 levels in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected human adipocytes differentiated from adipose tissue-derived stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease (CD), is a versatile haemoparasite that uses several strategies to evade the host's immune response, including adipose tissue (AT), used as a reservoir of infection. As it is an effective barrier to parasite evasion, the effectiveness of the drug recommended for treating CD, Benznidazole (BZ), may be questionable. OBJECTIVE: To this end, we evaluated the parasite load and immunomodulation caused by BZ treatment in the culture of adipocytes differentiated from human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC) infected with T. cruzi. METHODS: The ADSC were subjected to adipogenic differentiation. We then carried out four cultures in which we infected the differentiated AT with trypomastigote forms of the Y strain of T. cruzi and treated them with BZ. After the incubation, the infected AT was subjected to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify the parasite load and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to verify the infection. The supernatant was collected to measure cytokines, chemokines, and adipokines. FINDINGS: We found elevated secretion of IL-6, CXCL-10/IP-10, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL5/RANTES, and leptin in infected fat cells. However, treatment with BZ promoted a decrease in IL-6. MAIN CONCLUSION: Therefore, we believe that BZ has a beneficial role as it reduces inflammation in infected fat cells.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mice differentially alters the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in adult offspring.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding or gestation in schistosomotic mothers can cause long-term alterations in the immune response of offspring. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) (all classes), the production of cytokines by T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, and the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells in adult offspring born and/or suckled by schistosomotic mothers. METHODS: We harvested splenocytes from offspring born to (BIM), suckled by (SIM), or born to/suckled by (BSIM) schistosomotic mothers and animals from noninfected mothers (Control) at seven-weeks old and cultured them with/without Concanavalin A. HDAC expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and cytokines and membrane markers were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). FINDINGS: Compared to Control, BIM mice showed increased expression of HDAC9 and frequency of CD4+IL-10+-cells. The SIM group had increased expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC6, HDAC7, HDAC10, Sirt2, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7. The BSIM group only had increased HDAC10 expression. The SIM and BSIM groups exhibited decreased frequencies of CD4+IL-4+-cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells, along with a higher frequency of CD14+IL-10+-cells and an increase in CD45R/B220+IL-10+-cells. The BSIM group also showed a high frequency of CD4+IL10+-cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding induced the expression of HDACs from various classes involved in reducing inflammatory responses. However, gestation enhanced the expression of a single HDAC and breastfeeding or gestation appears to favour multiple IL-10-dependent pathways, but not cells with a regulatory phenotype.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of cytokine-related genes and association with clinical outcome in a Chagas disease case-control study from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The severity of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), the most frequent clinical outcome of Chagas disease (CD), has been associated with cytokine-enriched heart tissue inflammation, and high serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGFß), interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Conversely, increased interleukin (IL)-10 serum concentrations have been associated with asymptomatic CD. Cytokines and cytokine-related gene polymorphisms may control cytokine expression and have been proposed to contribute to CCC outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the association of 13 cytokine-related genes (TGFB: rs8179181, rs8105161, rs1800469; IL10: rs1800890, rs1800871, rs1800896; IFNG: rs2430561; TNF: rs1800629; BAT1: rs3853601; LTA: rs909253, rs2239704; TNFR1: rs767455; TNFR2: rs1061624) with risk and progression of CCC. FINDINGS: Four hundred and six seropositive patients from CD endemic areas in the state of Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil, were classified as non-cardiopathic (A, 110) or cardiopathic (mild, B1, 163; severe, C, 133). We found no evidence of TGFB, IL10, TNF, or TNFR1/2 gene polymorphisms associated with CCC risk or progression. Only BAT1 rs3853601 -22G carriers (B1 vs. C: OR = 0.5; p-value = 0.03) and IFNG rs2430561 +874AT (A vs. C: OR = 0.7; p-value = 0.03; A vs. B1+C: OR = 0.8; p-value = 0.02) showed a significant association with protection from cardiopathy in a logistic regression analysis with adjustment for gender and ethnicity; however, the association disappeared after performing adjustment for multiple testing. A systematic review of TNF rs1800629 -308G>A publications included five studies for meta-analysis (534 CCC and 472 asymptomatic patients) and showed no consensus in pooled odds ratio (OR) estimates for A allele or A carriers (OR = 1.4 and 1.5; p-values = 0.14 and 0.15, respectively). In CD patients, TNF serum levels were increased, but not affected by the TNF rs1800629 -308A allele. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest no significant contribution of the analysed gene variants of cytokine-related molecules to development/severity of Chagas' heart disease, reinforcing the idea that parasite/host interplay is critical to CD outcomes.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mothers differently modulate the immune response of adult offspring to postnatal Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Schistosoma mansoni antigens in the early life alter homologous and heterologous immunity during postnatal infections. We evaluate the immunity to parasite antigens and ovalbumin (OA) in adult mice born/suckled by schistosomotic mothers. Newborns were divided into: born (BIM), suckled (SIM) or born/suckled (BSIM) in schistosomotic mothers, and animals from noninfected mothers (control). When adults, the mice were infected and compared the hepatic granuloma size and cellularity. Some animals were OA + adjuvant immunised. We evaluated hypersensitivity reactions (HR), antibodies levels (IgG1/IgG2a) anti-soluble egg antigen and anti-soluble worm antigen preparation, and anti-OA, cytokine production, and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells by splenocytes. Compared to control group, BIM mice showed a greater quantity of granulomas and collagen deposition, whereas SIM and BSIM presented smaller granulomas. BSIM group exhibited the lowest levels of anti-parasite antibodies. For anti-OA immunity, immediate HR was suppressed in all groups, with greater intensity in SIM mice accompanied of the remarkable level of basal CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. BIM and SIM groups produced less interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-g. In BSIM, there was higher production of IL-10 and IFN-g, but lower levels of IL-4 and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. Thus, pregnancy in schistosomotic mothers intensified hepatic fibrosis, whereas breastfeeding diminished granulomas in descendants. Separately, pregnancy and breastfeeding could suppress heterologous immunity; however, when combined, the responses could be partially restored in infected descendants.

Dynamics of the Trypanosoma cruzi infection in adipose tissue: Assessing gene expression of PNPLA2, FASN, and ACAT1 under Benzonidazole treatment and indirect mononuclear immune cells interaction.

Trypanosoma cruzi is a parasite with a high capacity to adapt to the host. Animal models have already demonstrated that the tropism of this parasite occurs not only in cardiac/digestive tissues but also in adipose tissue (AT). That said, the consequences ofT. cruziinfection for AT and the implications of treatment with Benzonidazole in this tissue are under discussion. Here, we tested the hypothesis that T. cruzi infection in adipose tissue upon treatment with Benzonidazole (Bz) and the interaction of mononuclear immune cells (PBMC) influences the relative expression of ACAT1, FASN, and PNPLA2 genes. Thus, stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSC) after adipogenic differentiation were indirectly cultivated with PBMC after infection with the T. cruzi Y strain and treatment with Bz. We use the TcSAT-IAM system and RT-qPCR to evaluate the parasite load and the relative quantification (ΔCt) of the ACAT1, FASN, and PNPLA2 genes. Our results demonstrate that treatment with Bz did not reduce adipocyte infection in the presence (p-value: 0.5796) or absence (p-value: 0.1854) of cultivation with PBMC. In addition, even though there is no statistical difference when compared to the control group (AT), T. cruzi induces the FASN expression (Rq: 14.00). However, treatment with Bz in AT suggests the increases of PNPLA2 expression levels (Rq: 12.58), even in the absence of T. cruzi infection. During indirect cultivation with PBMC, T. cruzi smooths the expression of PNPLA2 (Rq: 0.824) and instigates the expression of ACAT1 (Rq: 1.632) and FASN (Rq: 1.394). Furthermore, the treatment with Bz during infection induces PNPLA2 expression (Rq: 1.871), maintaining FASN expression levels (Rq: 1.334). Given this, our results indicate that treatment with Benzonidazole did not decrease T. cruzi infection in adipose tissue. However, treating the adipocyte cells with Bz during the interaction with PBMC cells influences the lipid pathways scenario, inducing lipolytic metabolism through the expression of PNPLA2.

Chlorella vulgaris extract and Imiquimod as new therapeutic targets for leishmaniasis: An immunological approach.

The therapeutic regimen for the treatment of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is targeted at the death of the parasite; therefore, it is essential to develop a treatment that can act on the parasite, combined with the modulation of the inflammatory profile. Thus, the aim of this study was to make an in vitro evaluation of the therapeutic potential of Chlorella vulgaris extract (CV) and Imiquimod for ATL. Selectivity indices (SI) were determined by inhibitory concentration assays (IC50) in L. braziliensis cells and cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) were measured in human cells using the MTT method, based on the CV microalgae extract (IC50 concentrations of 15.63 to 500 µg/mL; CC50 concentrations of 62.5-1000 µg/mL) in comparison with the reference drugs and Imiquimod. The immune response was evaluated in healthy human cells by gene expression (RT-qPCR) and cytokine production (Flow Cytometry). The CV extract (SI = 6.89) indicated promising results by showing higher SI than meglumine antimoniate (SI = 3.44) (reference drug). In all analyses, CV presented a protective profile by stimulating the production of Th1 profile cytokines to a larger extent than the reference drugs. Imiquimod showed a high expression for Tbx21, GATA3, RORc and Foxp3 genes, with increased production only of the TNF cytokine. Therefore, the data highlight the natural extract and Imiquimod as strong therapeutic or adjuvant candidates against ATL, owing to modulation of immune response profiles, low toxicity in human cells and toxic action on the parasite.

Is a negative correlation between sTNFR1 and TNF in patients with chronic Chagas disease the key to clinical progression?

Soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) are natural endogenous inhibitors of TNF and are elevated in inflammatory, autoimmune, and chronic degenerative diseases. In Chagas disease, pleiotropic cytokine TNF is considered key in immunopathology. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 in the serum of patients with chronic Chagas disease. TNF and its soluble receptors were quantified using Cytometric Bead Array in the serum of 132 patients, of which 51 had the indeterminate form (IND), 39 the mild cardiac form (CARD 1), 42 the severe cardiac form (CARD 2), and 20 non-infected individuals (NI). The results indicate that the soluble receptors may regulate TNF in Chagas disease, as their leves were higher in T. cruzi-infected individuals when compared to non-infected individuals. We found a moderate negative correlation between sTNFR1 and TNF in individuals with the IND form, suggesting a relationship with non-progression to more severe forms, such as heart disease. sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were increased in all clinical forms, but with a moderate positive correlation in more severe patients (r = 0.50 and p = 0.0005). TNF levels showed no statistical differences in the groups of patients. These findings suggest the importance of the endogenous balance of the levels of soluble TNF receptors in the protection and balance in patients with chronic Chagas disease, besides revealing the immunological complexity in chronic T. cruzi-infected individuals.

Respiratory burden in obese and young asthmatics: a study of diaphragmatic kinetics. / Carga respiratória em obesos e jovens asmáticos: um estudo da cinética diafragmática.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the diaphragm kinetics, respiratory function, and serum dosage of leptin and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in three clinical groups: obese, asthmatic, and healthy. METHODS: This is a clinical exploratory study performed on 73 youths (12-24 years of age, 42.5% male) allocated into three groups: obesity (OG, n=33), body mass index (BMIz-score) ≥ +2, asthmatic (AG, n=26) controlled mild asthmatics, classified by GINA, and Healthy Control Group (CG, n=14). The participants were subjected to diaphragmatic ultrasound, spirometry, maximal respiratory pressure, serum leptin levels, and IL-6 and TNF-α whole blood cell culture levels. RESULTS: Diaphragm thickness was higher in OG in comparison to AG and CG (2.0±0.4 vs 1.7±0.5 and 1.6±0.2, both with p<0.05). Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was significantly lower in OG and AG in relation to the CG (82.8±21.4 and 72.5±21.2 vs 102.8±27.3, both with p<0.05). OG has the highest leptin rate among the groups (with the other two groups had p<0.05). All groups had similar TNF-α and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSION: The muscular hypertrophy found in the diaphragm of the obese individuals can be justified by the increase in respiratory work imposed by the chronic condition of the disease. Such increase in thickness did not occur in controlled mild asthmatics. The IL-6 and TNF-α markers detected no evidence of muscle inflammation, even though leptin was expected to be altered in obese individuals. Both obese and asthmatic patients had lower pulmonary resistance than the healthy ones.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cinética diafragmática, a função respiratória e a dosagem sérica de leptina e citocinas inflamatórias (IL-6 e TNF-α) em três grupos clínicos: obeso, asmático e saudável. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico-exploratório realizado com 73 jovens (12-24 anos, sendo 42,5% do sexo masculino) alocados em três grupos: obesidade (GO, n = 33), índice de massa corporal (IMC z-score) ≥ + 2 e asmáticos leves controlados (GA, n = 26), classificados pela GINA, e grupo controle saudável (GC, n = 14). Os participantes foram submetidos à ultrassonografia diafragmática, espirometria, pressão respiratória máxima, níveis séricos de leptina e níveis de IL-6 e TNF-α em hemocultura total. RESULTADOS: A espessura do diafragma foi maior no GO em comparação ao GA e GC (2,0 ± 0,4 vs 1,7 ± 0,5 e 1,6 ± 0,2, respectivamente, com p < 0,05). A ventilação voluntária máxima (VVM) foi significativamente menor no GO e GA em relação ao GC (82,8 ± 21,4 e 72,5 ± 21,2 vs 102,8 ± 27,3, respectivamente, com p < 0,05). O GO tem a maior taxa de leptina entre todos os grupos (com os outros dois grupos, p < 0,05). Os três grupos tinham níveis semelhantes de TNF-α e IL-6. CONCLUSÃO: A hipertrofia muscular encontrada no diafragma de indivíduos obesos pode ser justificada pelo aumento do trabalho respiratório imposto pela condição crônica da doença. Esse aumento de espessura não ocorreu em asmáticos leves controlados. Os marcadores IL-6 e TNF-α não detectaram evidências de inflamação muscular, embora fosse esperado que a leptina estivesse alterada em indivíduos obesos. Pacientes obesos e asmáticos apresentaram menor resistência pulmonar do que os saudáveis.

A Trypsin Inhibitor from Moringa oleifera Flowers Modulates the Immune Response In Vitro of Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Human Cells.

Trypanosoma cruzi causes the lethal Chagas disease, which is endemic in Latin America. Flowers of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) express a trypsin inhibitor (MoFTI) whose toxicity to T. cruzi trypomastigotes was previously reported. Here, we studied the effects of MoFTI on the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as on the production of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) by T. cruzi-infected PBMCs. Incubation with MoFTI (trypsin inhibitory activity: 62 U/mg) led to lysis of trypomastigotes (LC50 of 43.5 µg/mL) but did not affect the viability of PBMCs when tested at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL. A selectivity index > 11.48 was determined. When T. cruzi-infected PBMCs were treated with MoFTI (43.5 or 87.0 µg/mL), the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and INF-γ, as well as of NO, was stimulated. The release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 also increased. In conclusion, the toxicity to T. cruzi and the production of IL-10 by infected PBMCs treated with MoFTI suggest that this molecule may be able to control parasitemia while regulating the inflammation, preventing the progress of Chagas disease. The data reported here stimulate future investigations concerning the in vivo effects of MoFTI on immune response in Chagas disease.

Association of IL-6, IL-10 and CXCL10 serum concentrations with visceral Kaposi's sarcoma in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), one of the most common cancers in people living with HIV/AIDS. It is believe that the course of both HIV and HHV-8 infection is associated with the imbalance of anti- and/or pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we evaluated the IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, CCL2 and CXCL10 serum concentrations in HIV- and HIV/HHV-8 (without KS) individuals, and in patients with cutaneous or visceral AIDS-KS. Serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-10 and CXCL10 were significantly higher in the AIDS-KS group compared to HIV and HIV/HHV-8 individuals. Similarly, the concentrations of theses cytokines were higher in patients with visceral than in those with cutaneous AIDS-KS. The TNF-α concentration was significantly higher in the HIV group compared to HIV/HHV-8 (with and without KS) individuals, and CCL2 levels did not present significant difference among the groups. The HIV viral load was undetectable in all patients from the HIV and HIV/HHV-8 groups. On the other hand, in the AIDS-KS group, most patients had detectable HIV viral load. In this context, we believe that the cytokine levels in AIDS-KS may be result of a complex interaction between HIV, HHV-8 and immunity.

A C-type lectin from Bothrops leucurus snake venom forms amyloid-like aggregates in RPMI medium and are efficiently phagocytosed by peritoneal macrophages.

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that play important roles in the immune system. Under specific conditions, lectins can form amyloids, proteinaceous aggregates rich in cross ß-strand structures. A Ca++-dependent lectin, isolated from Bothrops leucurus snake venom (BLL) has demonstrated relevant biological activities such as antibacterial and antitumor activity. In this work, we aimed to study the interaction of BLL with macrophages. The formation of amyloid structures by BLL in a cell culture medium, the effects of the lectin on macrophage morphology and cytokine production were investigated. BLL amyloid-like fibrils in RMPI medium, pH 7.2, at 37 °C was confirmed by binding of Congo Red, Thioflavin T and electron microscopy. Neither binding of amyloid markers nor fibrillar structures were found when the lectin was incubated in RPMI plus galactose, the specific BLL-binding carbohydrate. Several phagocytic compartments containing fibrillar structures were observed in BLL-treated macrophages in RPMI medium for 24 h; these compartments showed an apple-green birefringence after Congo Red staining and were positive for thioflavin S and anti-amyloid antibody, indicating the presence of amyloid-like fibrils. No fibrillar material and no labeling were observed when the macrophages were treated with BLL plus galactose or cytochalasin B, an inhibitor of phagocytosis. BLL did not affect the viability of the cells. A significant release of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, INF-ϒ and IL-1ß) and regulatory (IL-10) cytokines was observed in BLL-treated macrophages. Taken together, our results shed light on the structural organization of BLL, improving knowledge about the interaction of lectin with macrophages. The phagocytosis of amyloid-like aggregates together with the proinflammatory response induced by BLL may open new perspectives for the use of this lectin as an interesting model to study cytokines and the production of other mediators as well as understand the mechanisms occurring in human immune cells during amyloid protein deposition.

Benznidazole treatment decreases IL-6 levels in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected human adipocytes differentiated from adipose tissue-derived stem cells

BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease (CD), is a versatile haemoparasite that uses several strategies to evade the host's immune response, including adipose tissue (AT), used as a reservoir of infection. As it is an effective barrier to parasite evasion, the effectiveness of the drug recommended for treating CD, Benznidazole (BZ), may be questionable. OBJECTIVE To this end, we evaluated the parasite load and immunomodulation caused by BZ treatment in the culture of adipocytes differentiated from human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC) infected with T. cruzi. METHODS The ADSC were subjected to adipogenic differentiation. We then carried out four cultures in which we infected the differentiated AT with trypomastigote forms of the Y strain of T. cruzi and treated them with BZ. After the incubation, the infected AT was subjected to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify the parasite load and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to verify the infection. The supernatant was collected to measure cytokines, chemokines, and adipokines. FINDINGS We found elevated secretion of IL-6, CXCL-10/IP-10, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL5/RANTES, and leptin in infected fat cells. However, treatment with BZ promoted a decrease in IL-6. MAIN CONCLUSION Therefore, we believe that BZ has a beneficial role as it reduces inflammation in infected fat cells.

Acute effects of different intensities resistance training on inflammatory markers of women with severe obesity / Efeitos agudos de treinamento de força com diferentes intensidades sobre marcadores inflamatórios de mulheres com obesidade severa

ABSTRACT This study objective to compare the acute effects between one resistance training bout with high versus moderate intensities on inflammatory markers in women with severe obesity. Experimental crossover study, performed with adult women with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m²; age ≥ 18 years old). Each participant performed a high and moderate intensity resistance training (HIRT and MIRT, respectively) with an interval of 7 days between bouts. Four exercises were performed in the both protocols, with total training volume equalized. MIRT consisted of 3 sets of 8 repetitions each, with an intensity of 75% of 1RM, while HIRT consisted of 2 sets of 6 repetitions, followed by a 20-second rest, with a new performance of 2 to 3 repetitions, with one more rest of 20s and finishing with 2 to 3 more repetitions, at an intensity of 85% of 1RM. Blood samples were collected before, 15 minutes after and 24 hours after both training protocols. The inflammatory markers analyzed were IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Nine participants have completed the intervention (n=9; 35.2 ± 10.93 years old; BMI = 48.3 ± 5.06 kg/m²). The Mann-Whitney U test showed that there was no significant difference between the HIRT and MIRT in the concentration of markers. Friedman's test did not report significant differences between intragroup measures for the HIRT as well as MIRT. This research suggests that a single session of high or moderate intensity resistance training does not change the inflammatory status of women with severe obesity.

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou comparar os efeitos agudos entre uma sessão de treinamento de força de alta versus moderada intensidade sobre marcadores inflamatórios em mulheres com obesidade severa. Estudo experimental do tipo cross-over, realizado com mulheres adultas com obesidade severa (IMC ≥ 40,0 kg/m²; idade ≥ 18 anos). Cada participante realizou uma sessão de treinamento de força de alta e de moderada intensidade (HIRT e MIRT, respectivamente) com intervalo de 7 dias entre as sessões. Quatro exercícios foram realizados em ambos os protocolos, com volume total de treino equalizado. O MIRT consistiu em 3 séries de 8 repetições cada, com intensidade de 75% de 1RM, enquanto o HIRT consistiu em 2 séries de 6 repetições, seguidas de um descanso de 20 segundos, com nova execução de 2 a 3 repetições, com mais um descanso de 20s e finalização com mais 2 a 3 repetições, com intensidade de 85% de 1RM. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes, 15 minutos após e 24 horas após ambos os protocolos de treino. Os marcadores inflamatórios analisados foram IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α e IFN-γ. Nove participantes completaram a intervenção (n=9; 35,2 ± 10,93 anos; IMC = 48,3 ± 5,06 kg/m²). O teste U de Mann-Whitney mostrou que não houve diferença significativa entre HIRT e MIRT na concentração dos marcadores. O teste de Friedman não mostrou diferenças significativas entre as medidas intragrupo para HIRT e MIRT. Esta pesquisa sugere que uma única sessão de treinamento de força de alta ou moderada intensidade não altera o estado inflamatório de mulheres com obesidade severa.

Expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 is altered in CD14 + HLA-DR + monocytes from patients with Chagas disease following induction by Trypanosoma cruzi recombinant antigens.

INTRODUCTION: The relationships between monocytes and lymphocytes through MHC class II molecules and costimulatory, are of utmost importance for the production of an efficient immune response. In this work, we assessed the expression of surface molecules CD80 and CD86 on CD14+HLA-DR+ monocytes from patients with Chagas disease. METHODS:: The study population consisted of 31 patients with chronic clinical forms of Chagas disease. Patient blood samples were cultured in the presence of recombinant cytoplasmic repetitive antigen (CRA) and flagellar repetitive antigen (FRA). RESULTS:: We found considerable differences in the expression profile of surface molecules involved in antigen presentation. CONCLUSIONS:: CRA and FRA may contribute to host immune response evasion by Trypanozoma cruzi.

Carga respiratória em obesos e jovens asmáticos: um estudo da cinética diafragmática / Respiratory burden in obese and young asthmatics: a study of diaphragmatic kinetics

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cinética diafragmática, a função respiratória e a dosagem sérica de leptina e citocinas inflamatórias (IL-6 e TNF-α) em três grupos clínicos: obeso, asmático e saudável. Métodos Estudo clínico-exploratório realizado com 73 jovens (12-24 anos, sendo 42,5% do sexo masculino) alocados em três grupos: obesidade (GO, n = 33), índice de massa corporal (IMC z-score) ≥ + 2 e asmáticos leves controlados (GA, n = 26), classificados pela GINA, e grupo controle saudável (GC, n = 14). Os participantes foram submetidos à ultrassonografia diafragmática, espirometria, pressão respiratória máxima, níveis séricos de leptina e níveis de IL-6 e TNF-α em hemocultura total. Resultados A espessura do diafragma foi maior no GO em comparação ao GA e GC (2,0 ± 0,4 vs 1,7 ± 0,5 e 1,6 ± 0,2, respectivamente, com p < 0,05). A ventilação voluntária máxima (VVM) foi significativamente menor no GO e GA em relação ao GC (82,8 ± 21,4 e 72,5 ± 21,2 vs 102,8 ± 27,3, respectivamente, com p < 0,05). O GO tem a maior taxa de leptina entre todos os grupos (com os outros dois grupos, p < 0,05). Os três grupos tinham níveis semelhantes de TNF-α e IL-6. Conclusão A hipertrofia muscular encontrada no diafragma de indivíduos obesos pode ser justificada pelo aumento do trabalho respiratório imposto pela condição crônica da doença. Esse aumento de espessura não ocorreu em asmáticos leves controlados. Os marcadores IL-6 e TNF-α não detectaram evidências de inflamação muscular, embora fosse esperado que a leptina estivesse alterada em indivíduos obesos. Pacientes obesos e asmáticos apresentaram menor resistência pulmonar do que os saudáveis.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to assess the diaphragm kinetics, respiratory function, and serum dosage of leptin and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in three clinical groups: obese, asthmatic, and healthy. Methods This is a clinical exploratory study performed on 73 youths (12-24 years of age, 42.5% male) allocated into three groups: obesity (OG, n=33), body mass index (BMIz-score) ≥ +2, asthmatic (AG, n=26) controlled mild asthmatics, classified by GINA, and Healthy Control Group (CG, n=14). The participants were subjected to diaphragmatic ultrasound, spirometry, maximal respiratory pressure, serum leptin levels, and IL-6 and TNF-α whole blood cell culture levels. Results Diaphragm thickness was higher in OG in comparison to AG and CG (2.0±0.4 vs 1.7±0.5 and 1.6±0.2, both with p<0.05). Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was significantly lower in OG and AG in relation to the CG (82.8±21.4 and 72.5±21.2 vs 102.8±27.3, both with p<0.05). OG has the highest leptin rate among the groups (with the other two groups had p<0.05). All groups had similar TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Conclusion The muscular hypertrophy found in the diaphragm of the obese individuals can be justified by the increase in respiratory work imposed by the chronic condition of the disease. Such increase in thickness did not occur in controlled mild asthmatics. The IL-6 and TNF-α markers detected no evidence of muscle inflammation, even though leptin was expected to be altered in obese individuals. Both obese and asthmatic patients had lower pulmonary resistance than the healthy ones.

Spatiotemporal analysis of reported cases of acute Chagas disease in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, from 2002 to 2013.

INTRODUCTION: Control strategies to eliminate the transmission of Chagas disease by insect vectors have significantly decreased the number of reported acute cases in Brazil. However, data regarding the incidence and distribution of acute Chagas disease cases in the State of Pernambuco are unavailable in the literature. METHODS: A geographical information system was used to delineate the spatiotemporal distribution profile of the cases from 2002 to 2013 in 185 municipalities of Pernambuco based on the municipality where notification occurred. The results were presented in digital maps generated by the TerraView software (INPE). RESULTS: A total of 302 cases of acute disease were recorded in 37.8% of the municipalities, for a total of 0.13 cases per 1,000,000 inhabitants per year. Out of the 302 cases, 99.3% were reported between 2002 and 2006. The most affected municipalities were Carnaubeira da Penha, Mirandiba and Terra Nova. The risk maps showed a significant decrease in the number of notifications and a concentration of cases in the Midwest region. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a significant decrease in new cases of acute Chagas disease in Pernambuco starting in 2006 when Brazil received an international certification for the interruption of vectorial transmission by Triatoma infestans. However, control strategies should still be encouraged because other triatomine species can also transmit the parasite; moreover, other transmission modes must not be neglected.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mice differentially alters the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in adult offspring

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding or gestation in schistosomotic mothers can cause long-term alterations in the immune response of offspring. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) (all classes), the production of cytokines by T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, and the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells in adult offspring born and/or suckled by schistosomotic mothers. METHODS We harvested splenocytes from offspring born to (BIM), suckled by (SIM), or born to/suckled by (BSIM) schistosomotic mothers and animals from noninfected mothers (Control) at seven-weeks old and cultured them with/without Concanavalin A. HDAC expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and cytokines and membrane markers were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). FINDINGS Compared to Control, BIM mice showed increased expression of HDAC9 and frequency of CD4+IL-10+-cells. The SIM group had increased expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC6, HDAC7, HDAC10, Sirt2, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7. The BSIM group only had increased HDAC10 expression. The SIM and BSIM groups exhibited decreased frequencies of CD4+IL-4+-cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells, along with a higher frequency of CD14+IL-10+-cells and an increase in CD45R/B220+IL-10+-cells. The BSIM group also showed a high frequency of CD4+IL10+-cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Breastfeeding induced the expression of HDACs from various classes involved in reducing inflammatory responses. However, gestation enhanced the expression of a single HDAC and breastfeeding or gestation appears to favour multiple IL-10-dependent pathways, but not cells with a regulatory phenotype.

Evaluation of CD4+CD25+ T lymphocyte response time kinetics in patients with chronic Chagas disease after in vitro stimulation with recombinant Trypanosoma cruzi antigens.

INTRODUCTION: CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes have been implicated in the regulation of host inflammatory response against Trypanosoma cruzi, and may be involved in the clinical course of the disease. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with chronic Chagas disease were cultured in the presence of T. cruzi recombinant antigens and assayed for lymphocytes at distinct time points. RESULTS: It was possible to differentiate clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease at days 3 and 5 according to presence of CD4+CD25+ T cells in cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Longer periods of cell culture proved to be potentially valuable for prospective evaluations of CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic Chagas disease.